Sunday, October 2, 2011

My DIY Upholstered Headboard

If only I had 8 bedrooms {sigh}. I picked the headboard in the bigger picture, because 1) it was upholstered, 2) has panels, 3) easy to make, 4) it looks pretty fabulous. This is one of the many projects I began at my Granddad's shop. I have so many memories from this place. I can't believe I actually asked him if he had enough materials to make the headboard...duh Leslie.

What you will need:

3, 20X40 3/4 plywood

6 picture hangers {the kind you nail to the back of the board}

6 picture hangers {the kind you mount to the wall}

Foam

Batting

Fabric

Scissors

Staple Gun

I based my headboard of THIS TUTORIAL. My Granddad cut the plywood for me, but you could definitely get this done at Lowes or Home Depot. We used 3/4 inch plywood, and the dimensions were 20 by 40 inches. The height was not listed on the tutorial so I improvised. After you cut the wood, draw a perfectly horizontal line across the top of the wood leaving room enough room for you to upholster {if your line isn't perfect it will not hang straight}. This is how I my Granddad made the perfect line. Repeat for all three.

Now you need to make tick marks equal distance from the the left and right. I used the same piece of wood as the horizontal line.

Now place your picture hangers on the inside of both tick marks. Attach with given nails.

I was feeling cheap, because thus far my headboard had been FREE {thanks Granddad}. I used double size bed foam to give the headboard a more cushion-y look {real foam is SO expensive}. I cut the foam to fit on the boards, then wrapped it with the quilters batting. You have to be gentle when using this batting, because it will tear if you pull to hard. I went ahead and stapled this onto the board.

I looked SO long for grey and white fabric. I was not setting for anything less than awesome...I was so pumped when I found this fabric at Hancocks. I believe it was 17.99 a yard, but it was 54% off {anniversary sale} AND I get 15% off for being a TEACHER. Heck yes. Using a stable gun, I worked from the middle of each side, jumping from side to side. By alternating from side to side, and pulling the fabric tight as you go, you lessen your chance of getting ripples on the front.

Oh! I almost forgot to show ya'll this:

I hung this all by myself! Is it bad that I was impressed with myself, and my problem solving skills? I really hope my apartment complex doesn't take my deposit away from what I did to the wall...I am happy! I love my new head board!